.357 and IMR 4227

[Catpop]

So I ran out of 2400. 0n a suggestion from this group I did find some IMR 4227 and gave it a go. Well isn't it great when a plan comes together! Today I got to the range with my shooting buddies and was able to test out some loads. The results as follows at 50' (50 yard range not available. Drats)
12 grains 2 7/8"
13 grains 3 1/4"
14 grains 2 1/2"
15 grains 3 3/8" & 3 1/4"
15.5 grs 1 5/8" & 2 3/8"
16 gr 4"
Looks like 15.5 might be the one, but it requires further testing. Testing is what keeps me going! Fun fun fun
Thanks to the group for the great suggestion, Catpop

 

[BigBore45]

i use 4227 in 7.62X39, 30-30, .45 colt, and .357 mag. its a great powder. even tried it in .223

 

[ArchAngelCD]

4227 is a good magnum class powder especially in the 44 Magnum. Nothing wrong with using it in the .357 Magnum and as you see it is accurate when you find the right load. You are giving up very little velocity compared to W296/H110 too.

I'm guessing you are loading a 158gr jacketed bullet from the charge weights?

 

[Catpop]

Archangelcd,
Geez I always forget something! No actually I am pushing a Missouri 158 LSWC 18 br Kieth style (resized from .359+ whatever to .3584 to fit my throat). OAL 1.595. Rem case. Fed 100 primer.. Full crimp just behind front driving band.
I do get some powder residue which I think may disappear as I near 17 grains (max). I've been led to believe 4227 is a dirty powder except at the top end. Also accuracy with 4227 is close to the top. But right now it may be 15.5 in my blackhawk 6 5/8"

I am getting 0 leading so far! Hooray!!!! I usually attract leading like the plague!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Thanks for the additional information. It's no wonder you see no leading, the bullet you're using is obviously wide enough to seal off the hot gasses. As with most slower pistol powders they do clean up when near the upper limits of the pressure range. It's good to hear you found a good alternative to the powder you usually use. Do you think you might stick with it or go back to 2400 when it's again available?

 

[USSR]

I do get some powder residue which I think may disappear as I near 17 grains (max).

Don't bet on it. The little kernals that are found when using 4227 seem to be it's trademark. However, when you see the accuracy that is typically found when using this powder, it is very easy to overlook it.

Don

 

[Catpop]

ArchAngelCD,
Will I stick with 4227? I don't know. It depends on the final accuracy. I have no problem with the residue issue what so ever and I do like what I am seeing so far. I thought about H110/Win 296, but I've heard you need to use mag primers and I don't want that limitation.
For now I will continue down the 4227 road and see where it leads. I'm really enjoying the trip.
Catpop

 

[Buck13]

You might want to try magnum primers with 4227, too. The current "imr4227" is really the old H4227, by all accounts and based on country of origin (Australia). Lyman 49th Ed. shows std. primers for imr and magnum primers for H, at least in .44 mag IIRC.

I have the Australian IMR4227, and have only used it with mag primers, so I can't say what difference they make. Even with near-max loads in .357 under a 180 grain XTP, I see a breadcrumb trail of scorched powder kernels in the barrel, so they don't eliminate that, I guess. But if yours are all going bang consistently, maybe it's not critical.

Bottom line is I like that powder. Minimal flash, has produced some of my best magnum handgun groups (which is saying nothing impressive or stastistically valid) and I like the smell of the powder gases. The only problem is that you have to u$e a lot of it!

 

[ljnowell]

I tried 4227 in my hot 45 colt loads and I didn't care for it as much as 2400. It worked well, I just found more half burned flakes of powder. Very accurate loads though.